If you were to change the MAC OS down or up, will all of the files and programs go to the new OS or will they be deleted?
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Question about upgrading or downgrading Mac OS
- Thread starter Theretrogamingroom
- Start date
If you're referring to the programs actually still being on your hard drive, they will certainly stay. This has been the case for every OS.
If, however, you're talking about compatibility, it does vary from version to version. The majority of programs aren't broken by a new OS, but there are always one or two that are. This is as true today as it was 20 years ago when we were preparing for System 7. Looking at older Macs, you'll find some System 6-era programs that didn't run properly on System 7. Many of these were irrelevant/obsolete by 1991 or were from smaller developers.
The one exception is when you're going from OS 9 to OS X and aren't installing Classic. Your pre-OS X programs will only run with Classic installed, and if you've got a newer Mac or a newer version of OS X, Classic won't run.
Another exception goes for software specifically designed for a certain system version. UnScrolly and ChooseCDEV, two useful System 6 control panels, served no purpose under System 7 because the control panel changed.
It's also worth pointing out that new operating system versions sometimes will break viruses.
Downgrading works in a similar way to upgrading. If you're going from System 7 to System 6 (pretty easy to do after you've tried System 7 on a 2MB Mac Classic for a few days), you'll want to make sure you have software that runs on System 6. Some titles require System 7. Manuals and boxes will typically state what is required, as will the read me files that come with public domain software.
If, however, you're talking about compatibility, it does vary from version to version. The majority of programs aren't broken by a new OS, but there are always one or two that are. This is as true today as it was 20 years ago when we were preparing for System 7. Looking at older Macs, you'll find some System 6-era programs that didn't run properly on System 7. Many of these were irrelevant/obsolete by 1991 or were from smaller developers.
The one exception is when you're going from OS 9 to OS X and aren't installing Classic. Your pre-OS X programs will only run with Classic installed, and if you've got a newer Mac or a newer version of OS X, Classic won't run.
Another exception goes for software specifically designed for a certain system version. UnScrolly and ChooseCDEV, two useful System 6 control panels, served no purpose under System 7 because the control panel changed.
It's also worth pointing out that new operating system versions sometimes will break viruses.
Downgrading works in a similar way to upgrading. If you're going from System 7 to System 6 (pretty easy to do after you've tried System 7 on a 2MB Mac Classic for a few days), you'll want to make sure you have software that runs on System 6. Some titles require System 7. Manuals and boxes will typically state what is required, as will the read me files that come with public domain software.
NB: The following applies to classic MacOS, ie OS 9.x.x and below. OS X is a little more complex, but the same approximate conditions apply.
The only thing that will change is the contents of the System Folder - and, if they are installed, any Apple-supplied utilities, applications, wizards, etc (such as iTunes, Apple System Profiler, Applescript, Apple CD Player) - ie, anything that was installed at the same time as the system software. These will be upgraded as well if there is an upgrade for them on the installer you are using. They will not be deleted.
It is recommended when upgrading (classic OS) to set Extensions Manager to Apple Default Set (or Apple All? It's been a while...), then restart. That way all the Apple-installed extensions and control panels will be in the right folder to be detected by the upgrader.
Safest way to up- or downgrade is to do an "archive and install" - the existing System Folder will be renamed and put aside so you can manually retrieve things from it afterwards if you need to (such as user-installed extensions and control panels).
The only thing that will change is the contents of the System Folder - and, if they are installed, any Apple-supplied utilities, applications, wizards, etc (such as iTunes, Apple System Profiler, Applescript, Apple CD Player) - ie, anything that was installed at the same time as the system software. These will be upgraded as well if there is an upgrade for them on the installer you are using. They will not be deleted.
It is recommended when upgrading (classic OS) to set Extensions Manager to Apple Default Set (or Apple All? It's been a while...), then restart. That way all the Apple-installed extensions and control panels will be in the right folder to be detected by the upgrader.
Safest way to up- or downgrade is to do an "archive and install" - the existing System Folder will be renamed and put aside so you can manually retrieve things from it afterwards if you need to (such as user-installed extensions and control panels).
